Abstract
Novel synthetic routes to the formation of progesterone derivatives are of interest due to their potential role in the treatment of breast cancer. This multi-step synthesis proceeds via the dehydrogenation of the endocyclic ketone moiety of the steroid, affording the resulting α,β–γ,δ-unsaturated system. This is followed by 1,6-conjugate addition of p-aminothiophenol, affording the C7 thiol-bridged progesterone analog. The resulting compound was then subjected to a selection of isocyanates affording a variety of novel progesterone derivatives for their medicinal evaluation.
Acknowledgment
The authors wish to thank Dr. R. Clarke and R. Najarian of the Georgetown University School of Medicine for invaluable medicinal discussions.